Getting baby into a sleeping routine is one of the challenges young parents have to face. In most instances, a baby establishes a pattern of sleep within the first three months, and most babies will sleep through around the time of their first birthday.
But some babies, and their exhausted parents, need a bit more help when it comes to sleep time. Some of the tips may be helpful in sending baby off to dreamland.
Swaddling – Wrapping or swaddling especially very young babies give them a great sense of security and will calm most distressed babies down.
Tire them – To encourage older babies to sleep at night, tire them with lots of stimulation, playing, activities and socialising during the day, without overdoing it. If baby needs a nap during the day, keep it to about two hours.
Darken the room at night – Little ones do not develop a fear of the dark until around the age of two. A dimmer switch or a nightlight is more for your benefit than for theirs.
Soothing – A musical mobile that hangs over the cot can be a great help in soothing baby to drift off to sleep. Some babies respond to the soothing sounds of gentle music, a water feature and even the humming sound of household appliances or a computer.
Abba – Put baby in a sling and gently jog him or her up and down. The physical closeness and your heartbeat will help settle baby down.
Get moving – Motion is a tried and trusted method of getting babies to sleep. Rocking baby in your arms, a glider or a rocking chair can achieve this. You can also try bouncing on a ball while holding baby or putting baby in a bouncy seat or swing.
Driving in the car – This is for the really desperate. The motion of the vehicle, the bumping across the road surface and the hum of the engine combine to send baby off to sleep.